Moto Sekai Ichi – 206 | Sousaku – 創作

206 Bishamon Match Interlude

Arc 10: Title Defense

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For some reason, tonight's party to celebrate the acquisition of the Bishamon title was rather somber.

Silvia and the others didn't participate out of consideration, Akaneko left early to her room due to the pain of defeat, Eko was sleepy from being full, and Nova returned to the hotel with steel self-control while shedding tears of blood.

The only ones left in the living room were Masamune, Azami, Kanbei, and Mamushi, the people of the Land of the Eight Swords.

The samurai were a group that would never lack topics of conversation, but they all seemed reluctant to open their mouths and just sipped their drinks.

"……It's quiet, isn't it?"

When I muttered this, the only two people who reacted were the two men.

"Mistah Second. No, Second Bishamon. Why were we invited to this party?”
"Mamushi-dono, that is obvious. It's probably just to rub salt into our wounds."

With a straight posture, Mamushi asked with a serious expression on his face.
To this question, Kanbei replied with loathing.

I see, so you're frustrated. That's why they're so quiet.

"Then you should have said no."

"How can I refuse? You are the Bishamon!”
"Dats raito. Second Bishamon, in this case, it is as Kanbei-dono says."

They can't refuse an invitation. In other words, the Bishamon seems to hold a very high position in the Land of the Eight Swords.

That's right…… it's a title that means the highest peak on that island, where the samurai gather.

So, they were participating in the event reluctantly, despite being mentally exhausted.

"I'm sorry about that."

"No puroblemu. But for tonight, shiyu neks taimu."
"I am going to take my leave, too."

It looks like they're going home. It seems that they are not in the mood to drink, eat, and have fun right now.

I was a little sad, but more than that, I was happy.

They carry their 'defeat' into their daily lives. In other words, it means that they are that passionate about the title match. This is proof that they are betting a lot on the title match.

If it were me in the past, I would have harshly judged that attitude as “not being able to switch gears”. However, now that I had had so many encounters with those who could truly be called “samurai”, I couldn't stop them from leaving.

"Hey…… have you guys been enjoying yourselves these past few days?”

I asked them one last thing before they left.

This is the first time the Land of the Eight Swords has participated in all the days of the title matches. I wonder if it was a positive experience for them. As the person who destroyed the island's traditions, I'm very concerned about that.

The two of them stopped, turned around, and replied.

"Yes. And…… very much at that."
"……It was an experience that you could never have gained by staying on the island. I would like to express my gratitude."

Honest words.

Perhaps because of this, they looked embarrassed and quietly left our house.

"Oh, thank goodness."

Suddenly, a sigh of relief escapes my lips. It had been a long time since I had been worried about it.

"So they said. How about you girls?”

After the two men left, I also asked the two girls who were left behind, Masamune and Azami.

There is discord between these two sisters. I know that. It's inevitable that the two of them will tend to be quiet when they're together.

But I wanted to ask them about what happened after everything fell apart.

"Hey……"

It was Azami who spoke first.

"……You've really, really…… been doing that for a long, long time……"

Staring at the empty glass, she spoke to no one in particular.

"In the six months since I came to this city, I've learned a lot of things. Of course, including you."

"About me?”

"Yeah. Because I like it…… That's what you said. Just because you like it, you've been doing this for a long time."

"……Yeah, I said that."

"It was true. Without falsehood, completely true. I've spent the last six months learning that you've been doing this all this time for no other reason than because you like it."

I don't know where in the royal capital she heard about me, but perhaps Azami came into contact with something that just clicked on her.

She must know better than anyone the difficulty of continuing to do something just because you like it. When we played a game before, I felt that she must have struggled more than anyone else.

Now, she is daring to put her feelings into words. Admitting, “You weren't lying". No, she's got no choice but to admit it.

……It must have been tough. She was shown in a way that she couldn't escape from, something that someone else could do but she couldn't.

However, it was also a sign of change. She used to get hysterical just at the thought of being criticized, and she must have hated even talking about it, but now she is able to express herself clearly, showing that she has definitely changed. And it seemed as if she was struggling desperately to change herself right now.

“I, loved my mother. Even though I was young, I worked hard every day to live up to my mother's expectations as the successor to the Kisshou school. But you know, I didn't have any talent. I tried harder than anyone else, but it didn't work. As time passed, my mother's expectations shifted more and more from me to my younger sister. It was…… excruciatingly painful. I think it was around that time that I started to really hate Sword-drawing."

"Azami-neesan……"

"Hey, Masamune. You knew, didn't you? That mother only expected things from you alone."

"……I knew. I knew that stepmother being strict with me was a sign of her having high expectations of me…… or so I thought. But I couldn't help thinking that it was just a form of cruelty stemming from a hatred towards the child of a mistress. That's all my parents did. I was brought up for an impure purpose. You see, I was a child who shouldn't have been born."

"You…… So you didn't leave Mother to take revenge on the Kisshou school……?”

"On the contrary…… I'm not good enough to take over the family business. However, stepmother was deceived by my talent. In her pursuit of the art of sword-drawing, she only saw raw talent. That wasn't going to work. That's why, that's why……"

"I think that after losing you, mother…… lost the meaning of life. Until the moment of her death, she never once looked at me."

"…………"

"Looking back now…… I feel sad for her."

"……Yes, I guess so. Maybe the katana drove her mad."

"That goes for you as well as me……"

Azami and Masamune quietly wipe away the tears that have welled up in the corners of their eyes, while letting out shaky sighs.

Then, Azami let out a long breath and looked up.

"It's no good talking about the old days."

"!”

Masamune's eyes widened.

Talking about the old days…… In her mind, it was already a thing of the past that she could talk about.

How wonderful that was ―― she, who could not wipe away the tears from her cheeks, knew best.

"Masamune, Second-kun. Try this."

Smiling, Azami offered us some bread.

They are apparently the latest craze in the royal capital: “cream buns”.

Me and Masamune took one each and bit into it.

Soft and fluffy bread with sweet custard cream inside.

Just an ordinary cream bun.

For some reason, it had a simple taste that reminded me of my childhood.

"Second-kun. Whether I had fun these past few days or not. I'll answer that question."

"Yeah."

Azami smiled as much as she could at me and Masamune, who were stuffing ourselves with cream buns.

How about it?! Look how much I've changed! Her look was like a child who was proud of themselves――

"I've really, really, really…… had soooooooooooo much fun!! It's been six months since I left the island, and it's been fun, nothing but fun! I enjoyed everything―― my passion for baking, the Sword-drawing that I used to hate, and meeting the people of this wonderful city!”

Azami said with a big smile while shedding tears.

"This, this bread, is my answer. The taste of bread, pure as it was back then. The taste of that bread that I ate with Masamune at the harbor when I was a child. My favorite flavor……!”

"……Yeah……yeah……!”

Masamune nodded while crying, and said in a hoarse voice, “It's delicious,” as if savoring the taste.

Azami baked bread, and Masamune ate it.

Why do my eyes get so teary over something so trivial?

That's right, it's not just cream. There are feelings that words cannot express, and they are all packed into it.

"Thank you, Second-kun. I, the head of the Kisshou school, Azami, have become a baker……!”

Azami became a baker.

That unexpected report made me giggle, and it resonated deep in my heart.

"Yeah."

This bread is delicious.

Hey…… hey, Azami.

You're doing what you like, aren't you……!?

"Master? You haven't gone to bed yet?
"Ah, Yukari."

After the party, I got ready for bed and was enjoying the evening breeze on the balcony when Yukari came over.
Yukari let out a small sigh and slowly lined up next to me.

"Are you tired?”
"No. But, well…… I'm at ease."

At ease…… I see.

"About Seventh Reikan?"
"Yes."

The restoration work took about six months. It must have been a lot of pressure.

However, Yukari pulled it off. A complete restoration. It's extremely comfortable to use. During the Bishamon battle, the katana did not break. As expected of the world's number one Blacksmith. A flawless job.

"……I see."

And suddenly, I remembered.
I've been thinking about doing this for a long time.

"Is there anything you need?”
"No, not particularly."
"……That sounds suspicious."
"Don't worry about it, let's go to sleep. I'll be busy tomorrow with things like preparing the bingo prizes and other stuff."
"Okay."

It may have been a little too forceful a way of covering up.

The position of Blacksmith is one that does not often see the light of day.
This is a good time, because Maine seems to have started trying out new things this season.

When is the closing ceremony?
I'm looking forward to the eight-crown celebration party.

I hope everyone will be happy……

＊ ＊ ＊

"The Best Contestant Award, Rookie of the Year Award, Fighting Spirit Award, Outstanding Performance Award, and Best Match Award, right……?"

At the royal palace, King Main Castall of the Castall Kingdom was deep in thought.

"Your Majesty, if you don't make a decision soon, there won't be enough time before the closing ceremony."
"I know, Klaus. However, this is……"
"……I can certainly understand how you must be feeling."

That's right. Maine was having a hard time deciding on the winners of the newly established awards.

Klaus, who should be giving good advice as a retainer, also ended up worrying together with him once he started thinking about it.

"Hmm……"

The previous winter's and this summer's title matches were more exciting than ever before.
It was a great honor to be the King of Castall.

That's why he started trying new things to liven things up even more.……

"……Aniue, what should we do? I can't decide at all……"
"You're the one who suggested it, so you should take responsibility…… is what I'd like to say."

He just couldn't decide.
He had been agonizing over it every night for several days, but he still couldn't make up his mind.

"Haa～! What should I do, Second-san……!?”
"This is a bother……"

Maine was thinking that he would like someone else to choose for him.

=====
Thank you for reading.

Cheat sheet

Status Details

HP　Hit Points
MP　Magic Points
SP　Stamina Points
STR　Short range attack skill power, strength, physical power.
DEX　Long range attack skill power, dexterity, hit rate.
AGI　Quickness, avoidance rate.
INT　Attack Magic skill power.
LUK　Good luck, critical rate.
VIT　Simple defense.
MGR　Magic defense.

Skill Ranking

From lower (16th) to higher (1st) class, then it changes to the “Dan” system of martial arts, which means Grade

16th class
15th class
14th class
13th class
12h class
11th class
10th class
9th class
8th class
7th class
6th class
5th class
4th class
3rd class
2nd class
1st class
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 9 (Can challenge Title when all related skills are at this level)

Types of combat skills

Named after shogi pieces (The word in bold is the one being used in this translation). From easier to acquire to harder.

Pawn/Soldier (Fuhyou)
Lance(Kyousha)
Knight (Keima)
Silver General (Ginshou)
Gold General (Kinshou)
Bishop (Kakugyou)
Rook (Hisha)
Promoted Bishop/Dragon Horse(Ryuuma)
Promoted Rook/Dragon King (Ryuuou).

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List of Swordsmanship skills

【Swordsmanship】　Damage： STR Dependent.

《Dragon King Swordsmanship》　Powerful ranged attack forward + stun.
《Dragon Horse Swordsmanship》　Powerful ranged attack in all directions.
《Rook Swordsmanship》　Very strong single-target attack.
《Bishop Swordsmanship》　Quick and powerful penetrating attack.
《Gold Swordsmanship》　Ranged attack in all directions.
《Silver Swordsmanship》　Strong, single-target attack.
《Knight Swordsmanship》　Precision attack＋added damage against vital points.
《Lance Swordsmanship》　Penetrating attack.
《Soldier Swordsmanship》　Normal attack.

(Rook＋Knight, Silver＋Knight, Lance＋Knight, Soldier＋Knight are possible for Combine)

List of Jojutsu (cane) skills

【Jojutsu】Thrust・Strike・Sweep

《Dragon King Jojutsu》　Extremely powerful wide-area attack
《Dragon Horse Jojutsu》　Wide range defense + knockback
《Rook Jojutsu》　Very powerful ranged attack
《Bishop Jojutsu》　Rush piercing attack
《Gold Jojutsu》　Very strong defense
《Silver Jojutsu》　Powerful ranged attack
《Knight Jojutsu》　Rush attack
《Lance Jojutsu》　Piercing attack
《Soldier Jojutsu》　Conventional attack

List of Spearmanship skills

【Spearmanship】

《Dragon King Spearmanship》　Extremely powerful single-target attack
《Dragon Horse Spearmanship》　Powerful long-range attack (shockwave)
《Rook Spearmanship》　Rush attack (charge thrust)
《Bishop Spearmanship》　Powerful ranged attack (Cleave)
《Gold Spearmanship》　Counterattack (Counter)
《Silver Spearmanship》　Powerful single-target attack (charge thrust)
《Knight Spearmanship》　Forward leaping attack (leaping thrust)
《Lance Spearmanship》　Ranged attack (Cleave)
《Soldier Spearmanship》　Normal Attack (Thrust)

List of Archery skills

【Archery】

《Dragon King Archery》　Powerful on-impact ranged attack.
《Dragon Horse Archery》　Powerful piercing ranged attack.
《Rook Archery》　Very strong single-target range attack.
《Bishop Archery》　Strong piercing range attack.
《Gold Archery》　Range attack with added knockback.
《Silver Archery》　Strong single-target range attack.
《Knight Archery》　Precise sniping range attack.
《Lance Archery》　Piercing range attack.
《Soldier Archery》　Normal range attack.

List of Shield Arts skills

【Shield Arts】

《Dragon King Shield Arts》　Very powerful ranged attack to the front.
《Dragon Horse Shield Arts》　Reinforced defense + all-range attack.
《Rook Shield Arts》　Powerful forward Rush attack (VIT converted to STR and added to net STR)
《Bishop Shield Arts》　Great Reinforced Defense (16th class: 250% ~ Grade 9th: 600% Defense)
《Gold Shield Arts》　Range homing defense ＋ Knockback（While active, attacks within a certain range would redirect themselves towards the shield）
《Silver Shield Arts》　Reinforced defense (parry grace time reduced by 0.01 second, successful parry triggers counterattack effect)
《Knight Shield Arts》　Defense + Knockback.
《Lance Shield Arts》　Piercing Reflective Defense
《Soldier Shield Arts》　Normal defense.
Success condition for parry: Activate the skill 0.287 to 0.250 seconds before the attack reaches the target.

List of Magic skills

【Magic】 (Four attributes: fire, water, wind, and earth)
Advantages and disadvantages: Fire>Earth>Wind>Water>Fire
・First Form　Normal Attack （Preparation time： Super short. Cooldown： Super short）
・Second Form　Extended range attack （Slow. Long）
・Third Form　Strong single-target attack （Short. Short）
・Fourth Form　Powerful extended-range attack （Super slow. Super long）
・Fifth Form　Very powerful extended-range attack （Slowest. Longest）

【Magical Magic】
《Combine》　Combines two magic skills into a single attack.
《Synergy》　Overlays two magic spells on top of another magic spell.
《Charge》　Magic attack that increases in magnitude the more it is charged up.

List of Martial Arts skills

【Martial Arts】　Attack：(STR+DEX+AGI)/2.56

《Dragon King Martial Arts》　A very powerful wide-area attack in the front (shockwave)
《Dragon Horse Martial Arts》　Accelerated forward strike (Dash Punch)
《Rook Martial Arts》　Very powerful single-target attack + charge (Punch)
《Bishop Martial Arts》　Omni-directional attack (Roundhouse kick)
《Gold Martial Arts》　Short-range attack plus defense (Tackle)
《Silver Martial Arts》　Strong single-target attack （Punch）
《Knight Martial Arts》　Forward jumping attack （Jumping kick）
《Lance Martial Arts》　Short-range attack (Kick)
《Soldier Martial Arts》　Normal attack （Punch）

List of Sword-drawing skills

【Sword-drawing】 (STR+DEX+AGI+VIT)/5.12+remaining SP/10^4（fire power when using a sword at the belt 128％）

《Dragon King Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Extremely powerful area of effect attack.
《Dragon Horse》 Range attack in all directions.
《Rook Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Extremely powerful Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Bishop Sword-drawing》 Quick and powerful thrust.
《Gold Sword-drawing》 Counter (Single attack + defense)
《Silver Sword-drawing》 (The more you charge, the more power) Powerful Sword-drawing attack.
《Knight Sword-drawing》 Large movement + Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Lance Sword-drawing》 Movement + Sword drawing attack (Single attack)
《Soldier Sword-drawing》 Sword drawing attack (Single attack)

List of Thread Manipulation skills

【Thread Manipulation】
《Dragon King Thread Manipulation》　The most powerful single attack, limited to the restrained target.
《Dragon Horse Thread Manipulation》　Simultaneously emits multiple threads, forcibly restraining the touched object.
《Rook Thread Manipulation》　Very powerful single attack using a bundle of threads
《Bishop Thread Manipulation》　Powerful penetrating attack using thread like a needle.
《Gold Thread Manipulation》　Thread restraints on objects within a 4-meter radius.
《Silver Thread Manipulation》　Powerful single-target attack with a bundle of threads
《Knight Thread Manipulation》　Manipulate monsters, humans, and puppets using strings for a certain period of time.
《Lance Thread Manipulation》　Penetrating attack using thread like a needle.
《Soldier Thread Manipulation》　Single target attack with a bundle of threads
(Gold + Lance or Bishop can be Combined)

ToC